According to Hawaii police, it is advisable for beachgoers to take their phones with them while swimming in the ocean to prevent theft on the beach.
Honolulu police recently took to Instagram to advise visitors to use a waterproof bag to safeguard their valuables while in the water, instead of leaving them unattended. Despite the well-intentioned post, it garnered a strong backlash online.
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A dissatisfied individual expressed their frustration by commenting, “Why don’t you focus on doing your job?” Similarly, another commenter questioned the legitimacy of the situation by asking if it was a joke.
According to the police, there has been a noticeable increase in crime along the beach, with more than 160 thefts reported on Waikiki Beach just last month. Despite these reports, recent police data indicates that theft in Honolulu has actually decreased in 2024 compared to previous years.
Bags that are capable of being submerged up to three feet in water can be purchased by consumers on Amazon or through various retailers like Pelican Marine, AiRunTech, Case-Mate, and Joto. The prices of these bags vary between $6 to $30.
According to scuba divers, it is not recommended to take pouches with you on your underwater adventure. Although most smartphones can withstand a brief dip in the water, their level of water resistance may vary from device to device.
The idea of bringing their devices near the ocean has been met with skepticism by some Hawaiian beachgoers.
According to Hawaii News Now, one individual expressed their disbelief stating, “I think it’s insane. I wouldn’t dare to put my belongings in the water with me.”
One individual expressed their dislike for carrying a waterproof bag while in the water, stating, “To take a waterproof bag in the water, that’s obnoxious to me.”
According to some sources, there has been an increase in crime along the beach. One individual stated, “It is a genuine concern. The situation has been deteriorating and the incidents are becoming more frequent, particularly during the summer break.”
According to officials in Hawaii, various programs have been implemented to curb the crime rate in Honolulu following a recent spike. As of now, there has been a 7 percent decrease in overall crime reports in 2024, with 16,740 reported incidents this year compared to 18,025 during the same period last year. Additionally, all categories of theft offenses have witnessed a decrease of almost 10 percent.
In 2013, smartphone theft affected a significant number of American consumers, with a total of 3.1 million reported cases, as stated in a Federal Communications Commission report published in the last decade. In most cases of phone theft, perpetrators drain assets from accounts associated with the stolen device.
According to a report, smartphone theft is a rampant issue in the US, with one out of 10 smartphone owners falling victim to it. Shockingly, 68 percent of these victims are unable to retrieve their stolen device. The report highlights the increasing value of smartphones, which are now around 30 times more valuable per ounce than solid silver.
Many thefts occur due to owners being forgetful and leaving their devices in public places. It is common for victims to realize their phone has been stolen about an hour after being at a restaurant in the afternoon.
The cost of retrieving a lost phone can be quite steep, with owners often shelling out anywhere from $500 to $1,000.
